Autism and Classroom Management: Live- Whitefish

Morning Session:

The morning session will offer an in-depth exploration of autism and the broader neurodiversity movement, focusing on the experiences, challenges, and strengths of individuals who are neurodivergent. Participants will gain an understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from both clinical and social perspectives, examining the latest research and best practice. Topics Include:

• The history and evolution of autism diagnosis and the neurodiversity paradigm.

• Core features of autism spectrum disorder, including social communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors.

• Best practices in school settings with a focus on strengths-based approaches and inclusive environment

• Trauma informed behavior practices

• Strategies for PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy)

Afternoon Session:

The afternoon session is designed to equip educators and special service providers with the knowledge, expertise, and practical tools necessary to create and maintain a positive, productive, and supportive classroom environment. Through a combination of current best practices and hands-on strategies, participants will explore the principles of effective classroom management, including behavior management, fostering student engagement, setting clear expectations, and promoting respect and cooperation among students.  

This session will cover whole class, targeted and individual practices that are easy and doable in the general education classroom as well as more intensive interventions to supports learners in special programs. Class is interactive and will model skills and activities for engaging learners within the training day. Come ready to be and active learner, workshop style!

Kelly Miller and Colleen Wattles are Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Autism Consultants. Their practical and hands-on experience spans two decades, including mental health and school settings. Kelly and Colleen work to expand teacher’s instructional repertoires to encompass not only academic, but social, emotional, and behavioral systems of support. With a focus of maximizing positive behavior momentum in the classroom, educators will reclaim valuable learning time. Kelly and Colleen coach and provide live modeling and support within the classroom. Workshops are rooted in inclusive practices, enabling teachers to develop their own “take away toolkit” full of evidence-based strategies that can be immediately applied in their classroom.

February 20, 2025, 8:30-4:30: The Firebrand Hotel, Whitefish. 

7 OPI renewal units are offered for this training 

This training will be limited to 30 people. 

Register for this in person training here.